headwind

noun

head·​wind ˈhed-ˌwind 

plural headwinds

1

: a wind having the opposite general direction to a course of movement (as of an aircraft)

2

: a force or influence that inhibits progress

Power-plant construction is facing headwinds in the U.S. as renewable energy projects and slack demand throw the economics of new generators into question.

—Thomas Black

For generations, the tribe has been leaning into cultural headwinds to preserve a language on the brink of extinction.

—Kevin Simpson

The plan faces political headwinds from both sides of the aisle …

—Heidi M. Przybyla

Examples of headwind in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Yet other statistics released on Tuesday were less than encouraging, implying that China’s economy still faces serious headwinds. —Lionel Lim, Fortune Asia, 16 Apr. 2024

But the city faces headwinds: like many other police departments around the country, Philadelphia is struggling to recruit and retain police officers, another reason Bethel believes community engagement is so critical. —Michel Martin, NPR, 15 Apr. 2024

For organizations of all kinds, 2023 posed constant challenges, from bitter economic headwinds to supply chain contractions to geopolitical crises. —Michael Spataro, Forbes, 27 Mar. 2024

As a result of demographic headwinds and a lack of senior housing supply, Morgan Stanley expects 10% funds from operation growth—a metric used to measure REITs’ profitability—in 2025 and 2026 from both American Healthcare REIT and Welltower, compared with just 2% to 4% for REITs in general. —Will Daniel, Fortune, 27 Mar. 2024

Related Eventually, artists lined up to support Biden in 2020, but the president faces stronger headwinds among progressive artists and young voters in 2024, due in part to the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. —Steve Knopper, Billboard, 26 Mar. 2024

The maritime corridors, airdrops and truck convoys supplying aid are also running into the headwinds of Israeli politics. —Matt Gutman, ABC News, 14 Mar. 2024

As more hospitals face financial headwinds and increase their prices, that could benefit Welltower’s senior housing portfolio. —Will Daniel, Fortune, 27 Mar. 2024

Even with those headwinds, if green lit by city officials, construction on The Star is expected to begin in early 2026 and wrap by 2029. —Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 25 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1709, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

headwind

noun

head·​wind -ˌwind 

: a wind blowing in a direction opposite to a course of movement (as of a ship or aircraft)